The Bottom Line
Pros
- Black & Decker "Grass Hog" cordless string trimmers are light-weight.
- Automatic string release makes it easy to use.
- No extension cord or messy gas to deal with when using electric string trimmers.
- Recharging a battery is less trouble than going to the store for more fuel....
- Automatic startup: no tugging at a starter cord.
Cons
- Having to recharge the battery is, nonetheless, annoying.
Description
- At 18 volts, its power isn't that of a gas model, but it's good for a cordless string trimmer.
- The Black & Decker "Grass Hog" cordless string trimmer's battery holds a charge about 30 minutes.
- Despite automatic release of string, manual adjustment is sometimes required.
- The Black & Decker "Grass Hog" cordless string trimmer (NST2018) weighs 6.5 lbs.
Guide Review - Cordless String Trimmers
When considering your options for string trimmers, you have essentially 4 choices: gas string trimmers, propane string trimmers, corded electric string trimmers, or cordless string trimmers that run on a battery. All have their pros and cons.
Having to keep gas string trimmers fueled is messy business, plus you have to drop everything you're doing and go to the gas station if you find your gas can empty. But gas string trimmers are powerful and portable.
Propane is cleaner than gas but even more inconvenient to run out of, as you'll have to drive to the nearest store that sells propane canisters (and that's usually further away than the local gas station).
Corded electric string trimmers have an obvious disadvantage: dragging the cord around (which can be dangerous, as well as inconvenient). But you don't have to worry about running out of fuel with them, or having to recharge a battery: barring a power outage, you're guaranteed power.
Cordless string trimmers are clean and portable. Their main drawback is having to recharge the battery. In this review I use Black & Decker "Grass Hog" cordless string trimmers (NST2018) as an example of cordless string trimmers. The battery of this particular model holds its charge for about 30 minutes -- sufficient for an average yard. Click the "Compare Prices" button to check on availability (if unavailable, you'll still be able to view similar products).
